Abstract
To evaluate what determines the increase in quality of life during treatment for ADHD: improvement in core ADHD symptoms or
improvement in global psychopathology ratings. A prospective follow-up of ADHD patients in one community clinic. Standardized
evaluation and outcome measures were used, including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Child Symptom Inventory,
18 item ADHD rating scale, and the Health and Life Functioning Scale. 75 patients between the ages of 6 and 12 were treated
with atomoxetine or stimulants with a stable dose for 10 months. At end point, there were modest improvements in ADHD symptoms,
global psychopathology, level of functioning and quality of life. The improvement in quality of life was driven by a decrease
in global psychopathology, not by a decrease in ADHD symptoms. The treatment for ADHD may need to be broadened beyond the
core symptoms. A chronic disease management model may well be applicable.
improvement in global psychopathology ratings. A prospective follow-up of ADHD patients in one community clinic. Standardized
evaluation and outcome measures were used, including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Child Symptom Inventory,
18 item ADHD rating scale, and the Health and Life Functioning Scale. 75 patients between the ages of 6 and 12 were treated
with atomoxetine or stimulants with a stable dose for 10 months. At end point, there were modest improvements in ADHD symptoms,
global psychopathology, level of functioning and quality of life. The improvement in quality of life was driven by a decrease
in global psychopathology, not by a decrease in ADHD symptoms. The treatment for ADHD may need to be broadened beyond the
core symptoms. A chronic disease management model may well be applicable.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s11126-011-9172-4
- Authors
- Leo Bastiaens, University of Pittsburgh, 33 Sunnyhill Drive, PA Pittsburgh, 15228, USA
- Journal Psychiatric Quarterly
- Online ISSN 1573-6709
- Print ISSN 0033-2720